City of Rochester, NY

Rochester City Council

City Hall Room 301A • 30 Church Street • Rochester, New York 14614-1290

Loretta C. Scott, President September 3, 2020

Councilmember At-Large
Lovely A. Warren
Willie J. Lightfoot, Vice-President
Councilmember At-Large
Mayor City of Rochester
30 Church St.
Malik D. Evans Rochester, NY 14614
Councilmember At-Large

Mitch Gruber Mayor Warren:

Councilmember At-Large
We are saddened and shocked by the images and information that was shared with
LaShay D. Harris
Councilmember
City Council and our community yesterday regarding the death of Daniel Prude,
South District who died in police custody. After viewing the footage and learning of the Attorney
General’s investigation, we are formally requesting that the officers involved at the
Mary Lupien
Councilmember
incident be placed on administrative leave, effective immediately and until the
East District completion of the criminal investigation.
Michael A. Patterson Yesterday was an emotionally charged day, and we feel strongly that the charges
Councilmember
Northeast District
filed against the protestors following yesterday’s press conference at the Public
Safety Building should be dropped. Our citizens are exercising their constitutional
Jose Peo right to peacefully protest, and we ask that the Administration and our law
Councilmember
Northwest District
enforcement do everything in your power to meet these protests with respect and to
de-escalate tension. We do not need any militaristic outfitting and use of pepper
balls at this incredibly sensitive time for our community. Peaceful protesting is a
critical part of our community grieving process.

Further, we must invest in mental health services that is why we are asking that you confirm your support
of using funds from the $750,000 in Contingency set aside during the Budget process to better fund
Monroe County’s Forensic Intervention Team (FIT). FIT partners with clinicians from the County’s
Office of Mental Health to assist individuals struggling with mental health needs and to decrease the
utilization of emergency and crisis response services in situations involving mental health. Mr. Prude
deserved to be connected with the proper mental health resources, and our systems failed him at every
turn. We owe it to Mr. Prude and his family to make changes to our system, and to ensure that no other
life is needlessly lost.

Sincerely,

Loretta C. Scott Willie J. Lightfoot Malik D. Evans Mitch Gruber

LaShay D. Harris Mary Lupien Michael A. Patterson Jose Peo

Phone: (585) 428-7538 Fax: (585) 428-6347 www.cityofrochester.gov EEO/ADAEmployer